England can’t keep relying on last-minute miracles

As the giddy talk in Geneva inevitably turned to endings, and comparisons with movies, match-winner Chloe Kelly described it as a “fantasy”. That might well refer to the improbability of England somehow winning despite performing so badly, even though that’s obviously not what the forward meant.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

Sarina Wiegman and her squad naturally don't want to get into such critical discussion right now, and for good reason. There's another historic final appearance to celebrate. There's also going to be a lot of analysis to come before Sunday, and a lot of preparation.

They're needed. England are so much less than the sum of their parts but, crucially, have greater qualities. There is a rare resolve in the team.

“The team never gives up,” Wiegman said. Her hero, Kelly, went further. An old phrase was reworked, which might be even more relevant if it is Germany rather than Spain in Sunday's final. “You can never write the English off.”

Against Italy, the European champions this time left it to the final 90 seconds of stoppage time. Italy even celebrated Kelly's mishit corner just before Michelle Agyemang's equaliser.

This isn't an accident or a coincidence. There is an obvious spirit in this group. It is as visible in moments like the entire squad rallying around Jess Carter as it is in late equalisers. One also leads to the other, and there's a multiplying effect.